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Province reviewing library cuts made in budget

Saskatoon and Regina saw funding scrapped and regional libraries lost more than half its funding.file photo/CJME News Staff

The Saskatchewan government is reviewing its decision to cut library funding in the provincial budget.

The premier has tasked Education Minister Don Morgan with looking into "the library funding issue."

As part of a number of measures to reduce the nearly $1.3 million deficit, money for regional libraries was cut by 58 per cent and Saskatoon and Regina libraries saw it's funding scrapped.

Since the March 22, 2017 budget there have been a number of protests to the cuts including a "read-in" at MLA offices across the province.

As a result of the loss of funding, regional libraries have laid off staff and announced the "one province one library card" program which allowed users to access and transfer books from any Saskatchewan library would be eliminated.

At that time, Morgan has said he didn't want to see that program end but did not address what financial solution would be offered.

Morgan will report on his review to the premier when the politicians return to the legislature after the Easter break.

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